FACTORS AFFECTING THE ADOPTION OF AGROCHEMICAlS BY SMAll SCALE FARMERS: A CASE STUDY OF ONDO STATE

Abstract

The broad objective of this study has been to provide information on the acquisition and utilization of agrochemicals by small scale farmers in Ondo State. To achieve this objective a sample of 160 farmers was drawn and their demographic and socioeconomic characteristics were analysed. The· impact of some socio-economic and infrastructural factors on adoption of technologies by farmers were identified and estimated. The average age of the farmers was found to be 52 years and majority had primary school education. The average household size was nine and awareness on the use of agrochemicals was fairly high. The level of adoption of technologies received from extension agents was also fairly high. The result of the logit regression showed that three variables significantly influenced the probability of adoption, namely extension 'visit, distance from source of input and amount of credit. Based on the result of this study, it has been suggested that the government should favourably review the existing fertilizer and other agrochemical distribution schemes by paying adequate attention to local farmers.